If Lee Iacocca were dead, he'd be spinning in his grave. Fortunately, he is still with us, so I wonder what he thinks of the billboards which sneer at America in advertising the teeny—tiny "Smart" minicars that are losing so much money for Daimler in Europe that they are tring to sell them in South Africa. Kudos to Gateway Pundit for excellent work.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky  

Thomas Lifson  5 17 06

Update: Commenter Ben says:

I live in South Africa and my family has been here for more than 10 generations. Which means that even though my skin is white, I am an African. A few years ago I visited America for a few weeks and I was amazed by how friendly and caring you Americans are.

I love America. I believe in the values that your nation is built on. I will never forget that a big reason for apartheid ending in my country was because of the role America and Americans played in the struggle. And I've done enough research to know those values. Maybe even a bit better than some Americans.

That being said. Unfortunately I have to let you know that you completely misunderstood the billboard.

As Bob from St Louis said "note the puny size" and as Dave in NYC said "higher gas prices and smaller roads".

Traditionally American cars are perceived as big and gas—thirsty. Even when one studies other forms of design, American design is always bolder and less subtle than European design. (There's a reason why there are no Monster Truck performances or Orange County Choppers in Europe). Some people like it and some people don't. In the same way some people love Japanese cars and some people don't.

The smart fortwo (the car on the billboard) is definitely made for people who lean towards the European school of design.

If you are someone who prefers the European way of thinking when it comes to design, the billboard simply tells you that the smart fortwo is an European thoroughbred.

You are also being misled by the person who told you that it is a billboard in Germany.

The billboard is in South Africa because in our country people can be split into two groups — those who like the American school of design and Europen school of design.

And I know all this because I was part of the team that created the billboard. And insulting Americans was the last thing we wanted to do.

Hat tip: Jewel